Picture it: you’re weaving through the cobblestoned streets of a European town, the summer stretching endlessly before you. Something catches your eye in the window of a nondescript boutique, so you duck in to investigate. When you leave, it’s with more than just a new accessory—it’s a piece of local heritage, made all the more special by its unobtrusiveness. This summer, you don’t have to zip across the world to make one of these unexpected finds. There’s a whole host of intriguing, under-the-radar European brands right here in Singapore, offering gems that range from recycled espadrilles to jewelled handbags. 

The brands that occupy this list are of a quieter ilk than your usual designer suspects—if logomania is what you’re after, you might be disappointed. But if you’re searching for craftsmanship and heritage, stay tuned. There are plenty of espadrilles on the list, from Flabelus’ whimsical flats to Bastide Colombe’s rustic heels, and it’s easy to see why. The braided soles of this Mediterranean silhouette manage to bridge old-world charm with modern ease. On the other side of the spectrum, Rodo and Polène occupy a niche position as under-the-radar luxury brands. To the untrained eye, they don’t announce their status, but look carefully, and craftsmanship is visible in every fold of a bag or stitch of a shoe. Global stars like Kate Middleton and Blackpink’s Lisa are already fans of both labels—what more convincing do you need? 

A summer of discovery awaits, and it comes with all the comfort of an air-conditioned mall. Read on for GRAZIA Singapore’s pick of the lesser-known European accessory brands to shop here in Singapore.

Polène

If there’s one brand on this list whose name you’ve already heard, it’s probably Polène. The Parisian leather goods brand has steadily been making its way from an insider secret to a cult favourite, with its understated handbags being spotted on celebrities like Kate Middleton, Blackpink’s Lisa, Lily Collins, and more. 

The phrase quiet luxury is overdone, so we won’t use it—but we are thinking it. Polène taps into a vein of offbeat, intellectual luxury often spoken of in the same breath as The Row, Alaïa, or Jacquemus—but even up against renowned names, the brand holds its own. With all of their handbags produced in Ubrique, Spain, Polène’s design language focuses on quirks of structure and shape rather than adornment. In the hands of their Ubrique artisans, leather becomes chameleonic: the rustic Cyme features side flaps which can be folded into a compact tote or left open as a basket bag; the refined Numéro Neuf comes with soft curves and gentle drapes. Singapore’s first Polène store is located at Marina Bay Sands, and features as much careful craftsmanship as one of their handbags: through its architecture and leather detailing, the boutique pays tribute to local heritage sites, such as traditional fishing huts.

The Polène boutique is located at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue, B2-108A, Singapore 018972.

Rodo

Rodo’s story is as much about family and heritage as it is about luxury. Founded in 1956 by Romualdo Dori, the Italian brand has spent 70 years as a proudly family-run operation, now in the hands of its second- and third-generation founders. During Rodo’s Singapore launch at Paragon’s Avenue on 3, CEO Gianni Dori and his son Lorenzo opened up about the brand’s philosophy, accompanied by a Rodo artisan who performed a live demonstration of the brand’s signature wicker weaving. 

Rodo’s heritage lies in wicker, which they use to create clutches and shoulder bags that blend sleek modernity with a rustic touch. “70 years ago, my father taught my brother and me a certain philosophy: quality of material, quality of workmanship, and attention to the details,” Dori says. “I always say, I am very proud that after 70 years we still produce with the same principles.” Rodo applies these principles to a luxe range of bags and shoes that have been spotted on too many stars to name (the highlights include Lady Gaga, Kendall Jenner, Jennifer Lopez, and Emily Blunt). Their most iconic pieces include the structured Paris wicker bag and the sleek satin Tube clutch. Aside from wicker, their satin, jewel-encrusted shoes and clutches have proven especially popular on the red carpet.

Rodo is available to shop at Avenue On 3, 290 Orchard Road, #03-48, The Paragon, Singapore 238859.

Flabelus

Cinderella, Mulan, Dorothy, Daisy—thanks to Flabelus, the spirit of each of these literary ladies is stepping off the page and into a chic pair of velvet espadrilles. Founded in 2020 by Beatriz de los Mozos, the Spanish footwear label specialises in sustainable, versatile espadrilles, all made in-house at their Elche factory. 

Their literary naming convention is more than just a gimmick: there is a fairytale-like whimsy to each of Flabelus’ offerings, from their rustic stitched piping to their plush velvet frame. The brand prides itself on both using sustainable materials and keeping a vital Spanish art form alive, all in keeping with their conscious design philosophy. Their most popular espadrille archetypes include the Mary-Jane, a classic pair of flats with a buckled strap; Pierre, a sleeker, elevated pointed-toe shape; and Cinderella, an ergonomic silhouette designed to be deceptively light. For those craving a touch more drama, Flabelus also offers a line of velvet platform heels in a variety of eye-popping colours. 

You can count style mavens like Kelly Rutherford, Alexa Chung, and Billie Eilish amongst Flabelus’ fans—proof that a pair of velvet espadrilles can find themselves at home in just about anyone’s closet.

Flabelus is available to shop at Brisa and online through their website.

Pons Quintana

Out of all the brands on this list, Pons Quintana is something of a dark horse—for over 70 years, the Spanish brand has been steadily producing stylish, intricate footwear and accessories to little fanfare. Let this be your sign to give them their flowers. Founded in 1952, the brand’s defining feature is their braided leather, handwoven by artisans in their Menorca factory using local techniques passed down through generations. Though they produce a range of boots and suede leather footwear, their braided leather offerings are by far their most extensive. Mules, wedges, platform sandals, ballet flats—each in intricate, precise woven leather in myriad shades and finishes. Their flats and wedges hold up to everyday use, while a holiday edit offers dressier silhouettes in soft leather and rich shades of burgundy and brown. That every pair of Pons Quintana shoes is breathable and flexible is only an added bonus—though it is a welcome one in Singapore’s heat.

Pons Quintana is available to shop at Metro, 290 Orchard Road, #02-28 The Paragon, Singapore 238859.

Bastide Colombe

Bastide Colombe’s wedges and espadrilles tap into the relaxed, insouciant rhythm of a Mediterranean summer—where heat isn’t oppressive, and the sea is always in the air. The brand was founded by French expat Emma Hébrard, who enlists Spanish brand Gaimo to produce the woven soles of her footwear, making Bastide Colombe a refined mix of Mediterranean insouciance and French Riviera chic. They offer a range of classic espadrille styles, from the ubiquitous canvas mules to more distinctive golden leather silhouettes and ribbon-tie heels. Espadrilles are a surprisingly versatile shoe—equally likely to be worn by the Queen of Spain on an official engagement or a Basque fisherman on his day off. Bastide Colombe’s chic offerings are just another reminder of why. 

The Bastide Colombe boutique is located at 501 Orchard Road, #03-17A, Wheelock Place, Singapore 238880.

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